How long does hand therapy take to work for complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome can make a hand or arm unusually painful and sensitive, with changes in swelling, temperature, colour, sweating or movement. Therapy aims to improve use without provoking a large flare. Early progress may mean tolerating touch, using the hand for a small task, or moving a joint slightly farther. Symptoms can vary from day to day, so the therapist may adjust intensity, rest periods and the type of sensory or movement practice.

Practise only the exercises and sensory tasks agreed with your therapist. Use short, regular sessions rather than forcing a painful movement. Keep notes on swelling, skin changes, sleep, pain after practice and useful hand activities. Protect the hand from avoidable injury while continuing appropriate use. Tell the therapy team promptly if a new exercise causes a sustained flare, because the programme may need pacing or modification.

Contact your clinician if pain, swelling or sensitivity is steadily worsening, function is declining, or you cannot follow the programme. Seek urgent care for a new injury with deformity, a cold or pale hand, rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness with fever, new severe weakness, or sudden chest pain or breathlessness.

What is a realistic first function goal? Which sensations or movements should I practise? How do I recognise an overload flare? Who should I contact if colour, temperature or swelling changes?